Tips
Exterior home colors advice from the experts at Sherwin-Williams
Picking out house colors can feel high stakes, but you can create a more structured decision-making process for yourself with these tips from Sherwin-Williams experts Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing, and Kiki Redhead, Global CMF & Trend Manager in the Performance Coatings Group.
Where to begin?
First things first, windows last a long time. “You may change the color of your home two or three times before you change the windows and doors,” Redhead said. So, if you’re trying to decide whether to pick windows that match your current exterior or windows that match your long-term vision — go with the ones that match your vision. It will save you money in the long term.
1. Seek out color inspiration
We’re surrounded by color. Here’s how to start picking up on it:
- Walk around your neighborhood and note the colors of the surrounding homes. What colors are associated with your region? You’ll start to notice patterns as you look around. "Consider how much you want to be a part of the landscape versus how much you want to stand out,” Redhead said.
- Consider the nature that colors your region. Looking at plant life and landscape features can reveal color cues. For example, Wadden noted that orangey browns make a nice contrast to the moody skies and deep forests of the Pacific Northwest, and earth tones blend in nicely with the desert Southwest.
- Dig into the history of your home’s architectural style. Looking at historic examples in books, on Pinterest, or elsewhere could reveal colors you never would have discovered otherwise. Not only that, but the colors you find will be ones that have stood the test of time.
2. Identify the mood you want to create with your home’s exterior
“Do you want something that’s light and airy? Do you want something that’s muted? Do you want something dramatic? This is a great place to start,” Wadden said. She pointed out that knowing what you’re trying to evoke can help you identify the value (lightness or darkness of a color) and range of colors you might be interested in.
For example, the owner of the home pictured below wanted to create a bright and airy mood in her remodeled ranch house. To pull it off, she painted her brick exterior a clean white and added a mid-century-inspired natural wood front door with windows that let light into her interior.
